What is Bakelite?
Bakelite is a material based on the thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian-American Dr. Leo Baekeland.It is formed by the reaction under heat and pressure of:
1. phenol (a toxic, colourless crystalline solid) and
2. formaldehyde (a simple organic compound), generally with a wood flour filler, it was the first plastic made from synthetic components.
Bakelite was used for its electrically nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators, and was also used in such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelery, pipe stems, and children's toys.
In 1993 Bakelite was designated an ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.
The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectable in recent years.
The name Bakelite was originally a brand, trademark name, but it is currently considered a generic term for all phenolic resin products, though some phenolic products besides Bakelite are brand-named.
Go to my All Things Bakelite Store to find lots of Bakelite collectibles!